Indonesia is one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. It is thought that as many as 300,000 species, or almost one in five of the world’s animals, are to be found in this sprawling Southeast Asian nation. It is home to 515 species of mammals and 1,539 species of birds, and almost half of all fish species live in its waters. Unfortunately, this biological wealth is not matched by efforts to preserve it. After drugs and human trafficking, offences against wildlife are the third-most pressing…
Indonesian parliament passes controversial revisions to law governing anti-corruption agency
Indonesia’s parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve changes to a law governing the country’s anti-corruption agency, which activists fear could undermine its powers to tackle corruption.The Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, has prosecuted hundreds of politicians and officials since its formation in 2002, becoming one of the country’s most respected agencies. But there have been repeated efforts by politicians and police to undermine it…
Australian government reportedly concealed Chinese hack on parliament and political parties out of economic concern
Australian intelligence determined China was responsible for a cyberattack on its national parliament and three largest political parties before the general election in May, according to five people with direct knowledge of the matter.Australia’s cyber intelligence agency – the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) – concluded in March that China’s Ministry of State Security was responsible for the attack, the five people with direct knowledge of the findings of the investigation said.The five…
Explained: the Philippines’ communist rebellion is Asia’s longest-running insurgency
On September 10, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Philippine military to crush the long-running communist rebellion in an “all-out war”, insisting “if I can, I will end the insurgency problem within my term”.There was nothing new about the exhortation and hopeful promise: it’s been made before by previous national leaders. When she was president, Gloria Arroyo also promised an all-out war and vowed to crush the communists in three years. Instead, Arroyo finished her term in 2010 with the…
In Japan, rising numbers of parents are harming their children. Why?
When police responding to an emergency call arrived at the Osaka home of Kazuya Ogawa on the evening of August 30, they were confronted with three bodies. Ogawa’s wife was lying on the floor in the bedroom of their two daughters, Risa, aged five, and Juri, three. All had sustained serious stab wounds. The two girls were rushed to hospital but were later pronounced dead. Ogawa’s 40-year-old wife underwent treatment for knife wounds to her abdomen and was reported to be in a stable condition.
…
Are Singaporean ‘tourists’ in North Korea actually eyeing ‘last untapped market’
Singapore travel agencies and globetrotters keen on unusual destinations were left guessing when the city state’s authorities issued a vague warning about travel to North Korea earlier this month.Although nobody is sure, observers say Singapore may have been reminding its businesspeople to end illegal deals with Pyongyang and stop heading there by pretending to be tourists.Others believe the United States may have pressured Singapore to ensure international sanctions against North Korea are not…
Family releases name of Australian woman detained in Iran
One of three Australians recently revealed to be detained in Iran was identified by her family on Saturday as a lecturer at the University of Melbourne.Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle Eastern politics with a focus on Gulf states, has been held for a “number of months” in Iran on charges that remain unclear.“Our family thanks the Government and the University of Melbourne for their ongoing support at this distressing and sensitive time,” a statement released by Australia…
Law that allows Malaysian king to keep child offenders in jail indefinitely is unconstitutional, activists say
As Malaysia makes strides towards reforming its criminal justice system, its national human rights body has begun looking into the issue of child offenders detained indeterminately at the pleasure of the king, something which activists and lawyers say is both unconstitutional and violates human rights.Under the Child Act, minors found guilty of capital offences, such as murder or drug trafficking, can serve a life sentence in place of the death penalty at the king’s discretion. This leaves…
Japan lodges protest with North Korea after boat crew threatened to fire at its coastguard
A crew member aboard a high-speed vessel, likely from North Korea, threatened to fire a rifle at a Japan Coast Guard patrol boat in the Sea of Japan in late August, coastguard officials said on Friday.The Japanese government has lodged a stern protest with North Korea through the Japanese Embassy in Beijing following the incident, chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a regular press conference.The incident took place near an area known as Yamatotai within Japan’s exclusive economic…
Philippines arrests 277 Chinese accused of running online investment scam in Manila
Philippine officials say immigration agents have arrested 277 Chinese in a raid against an online investment scam syndicate that has defrauded victims in mainland China.Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the arrests on Wednesday in the Ortigas financial district in Pasig city in the Manila metropolis came after the Chinese embassy provided information about the investment fraud, which has victimised more than 1,000 Chinese nationals. The raid was coordinated with China.Morente said on…